Learning to Love Prosecco

I love you, Prosecco . . . I’m just not in love with you. But, I’m trying. I really am.

Last week, I was asked by Drinking in America to answer a few questions for some research they’re conducting on the rise in popularity of Prosecco. To be honest, I didn’t realize Prosecco was having a moment. When I’m in the mood for a glass of Bubbles, I tend to wear Champagne blinders.

But before I could answer any questions, I needed to review:

The Regions: Prosecco is a region in Italy, just like Champagne is a region in France. But it wasn’t always that way. It used to be, you could make a sparkling wine just about anywhere in Italy and slap a Prosecco label on it — the region wasn’t exclusive. But all that changed in 2009, when the Italian Minister of Magic (or Agriculture) ordained Prosecco as a protected DOC region, and promoted the former DOC region, Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene, as a protected DOCG region.

The Grapes: Prosecco is made using the grape, Glera, neé Prosecco (the grape name changed in 2009 with Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene’s promotion). Champagne is made using a blend (or sometimes solo grapes) of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes.

The Methods: Both Prosecco and Champagne are fermented twice. Champagne ferments in a barrel, and then a bottle — a process called Méthode Champenoise. Bonus points if you say it with a Frenchy accent.Prosecco, on the other hand, ferments twice in stainless steel vats, a process called the Charmat Method, which is considerably faster and cheaper than Méthode Champenoise.

Prosecco is light, friendly, and easy to drink. Prosecco tends to be a little bit sweet, and people tend to like things that are a little bit sweet. It’s also much less expensive than Champagne. Maybe Prosecco is recession-proof. What’s not to like? Technically, nothing. Had I known about Prosecco in college, I might not have gone through my formative Bartles & James phase.

But . . .

Today, I like my bubbles DRY. If I pop open a bottle of bubbles and it’s sweet . . . sighs and disappointment. If I want sweet bubbles, I’ll drink a ginger ale. I know it’s unfair, but in my mind Prosecco = sweet & cheap.

Don’t send the Prosecco mafia after me. Prosecco has it’s place — a fresh, well-made Bellini can really make your day. And, once upon a vacation, I spent an afternoon sipping cold Prosecco on the Grand Canal in Venice — that’s pretty close to perfect. Also, Prosecco makes the best Mimosas ever. Which reminds me . . . if you’re a rhubarb fan (and rhubarb season is just around the corner), try this recipe for super yummy Rhubarb Mimosas.

The point of that last paragraph is this: I almost always drink Prosecco in some sort of cocktail. My preference for solo Bubbles was, is, and will always be Champagne. And if I want Bubbles on a Tuesday? I grab a sparkler from the US or a Spanish Cava. Prosecco isn’t even a player.

Maybe I’ve been to harsh? I certainly don’t want to be close-minded. As Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Not many people realize he was talking about wine, too. So, in an effort to “travel” a bit more, I’m seeking out some DOCG Brut Prosecco to take out for a spin.

Head’s up Champagne . . . we’re on a break tonight.

Foss Marai NV Strada di Guia 109 Brut Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore ⭐⭐⭐Nose: Edelweiss and snow. I don’t know why, either. But that’s what I get. And now I’m thinking about one of my favorite movies of all time, The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews, not Carrie Underwood. As far as image conjuring goes . . . not bad at all. Crisp, fresh, and pleasantly dry, with flavors of pears and lemons. Light, little bubbles. It lacks depth and complexity, but here’s the trade-off . . . it’s $18!

Great write-up! As you know, I am a champagne snob, but I feel as though Prosecco has its place. I have also heard that there are some higher end Proseccos out there, but I have never seen nor tasted any….

“faster and cheaper ” does nor always equal less good, as it is a matter of taste. Personally I don’t mind Prosecco nor Champagne, how ever………, Cava is for me, if well made, the King, Queen and Prince of bubbles! 🙂 Thank you for the article and don’t forget to drink more, well made, Cava!

On price alone, I would say yes. Prosecco will dethrone Champagne in sales. But in quality and reputation? Never. While consumers are willing to spend more for quality, Champagne is still very expensive for most consumers.

I drink far more Prosecco than Champagne, because of the difference in price. I don’t think I have ever spent more than $12 on a Prosecco… But then again, I like a little sweetness in my sparklers from time to time. And it is awesome mixed with just a smidge (1 tablespoon) of pomegranate juice. YUM! Camille